An NIH-funded postdoctoral position is available in the Lamitina Lab at the University of Pittsburgh. We are using genetic approaches in the organism C. elegans to model neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS / Lou Gehrig's disease. Our current efforts are focused on a new C. elegans model for C9orf72-associated toxicity. We work with other ALS and neurodegenerative disease groups here at Pitt to translate our findings from worms to more complicated models, including flies, patient-derived stem cells, and human tissue samples.
We are looking for a recent or imminent Ph.D. graduate with experience in neuroscience, molecular biology, and/or genetics. Experience with C. elegansis a plus but is not required. The successful candidate will take advantage of high-throughput genetic screening approaches to identify pathways involved in both C9orf72-associated RNA and dipeptide repeat protein toxicity. The candidate will use whole-genome RNAi, RNAseq, transgenics, in vivo imaging, and genetic interaction approaches to explore the cell biology of C9 toxicity pathways and their conservation in humans. We are looking for a collaborative, friendly, and motivated individual who can work with other members of the lab but who is also capable of working independently and testing their own ideas. Strong verbal and written communication skills in English are required.
The Lamitina Lab is located in the Department of Pediatrics at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, one of the fastest growing research programs in the country. Our lab is housed in the John G. Rangos Research Center, a 300,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility located on a new 10-acre hospital campus in the vibrant Lawrenceville neighborhood of Pittsburgh, just a short distance (~1.5 miles) from the main University of Pittsburgh Medical School campus. The University of Pittsburgh is fast becoming a hub for ALS research, with the recent formation of the 'Live like Lou' Center for ALS Research (http://www.braininstitute.pitt.edu/centers-institutes-and-departments/li...) and the continuing recruitment of ALS experts studying the disease in numerous model systems and human patient samples. The city of Pittsburgh offers a high quality of life with a low cost of living, an outstanding restaurant scene, abundant cultural opportunities, and legendary sports franchises. In recent years, Pittsburgh has received many national and international accolades, such as Forbes Magazine’s ‘Most Livable City’ and Zagat’s ‘Top Food City’ (https://fitt.co/pittsburgh/pittsburgh-best-city/).
To apply, please send a CV, a cover letter describing your graduate thesis work, career goals, and the contact information for 3-4 professional references to Dr. Todd Lamitina at stl52@pitt.edu. Also include your desired starting date in your initial communication.
Todd Lamitina, PhD
Associate Professor, Department of Cell Biology
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
(412) 692-9437